Retired living in Las Vegas (home of the buffets) and traveling in my motor home

PERRY’S LIFE SINCE RETIREMENT

In February 2004, I retired from the Pentagon after being the Director, Executive Contracting Office for Iraq. It was a very stressful position as I spent a lot of time on Capital Hill before Congressional Committees for things that we were doing in Iraq. I also directed the procurement of over $200 Billion in procurements for Iraq. I was exhausted when I retired. I sold my condominium in Falls Church, Virginia and bought a house in Yuma, Arizona on the golf course. I enjoyed the house as it was a 3 bedroom with a huge heated pool and a in-ground jacuzzi. Had a large yard and plenty of flowers and shrubs. Had a great view of the mountains and the 4th green on the golf course. After living there for 2 years and teaching at Northern Arizona University and working for the Yuma Elementary School District as as a Special Education teacher, I decided that the house was costing me too much money in repairs and the electricity bills were killing me in the summer. My utilities were over $1000 in the summer. So I told my kids that I was selling the house and moving into my motorhome. If they wanted anything they should come get it as I was going to sell everything except personal things that I would put into storage. I had two garage sales (will never have one again, OMG they are terrible) and sold everything and moved into the motor home. Best decision I have ever made. I loved the life as a nomad. I could go visit the kids and see places I have never been. I have met the nicest people and it is a wonderful life. I traded off my motor home in March 2010 and bought a truck and 5th wheel trailer. I decided in 2012 that I needed a base camp so I thought well Las Vegas is closer to Oregon and Washington to visit relatives and bought a home in North West Las Vegas. It is a great area and is very quiet. The airport here is also great because there are so many flights that come in and out of Las Vegas and it is a cheap fare. In 2015 I decided that a 38 ft 5th wheel was great to live in but a pain in the butt to go for short trips. I traded it in for a motor home. I got rid of the pickup and bought a 4 door jeep wrangler. Love it so much. It is bright orange and I can find it easily in parking garages. In June 2015 My son Max, his youngest daughter Kloe and I went to Oregon for my younger brother’s wedding reception. It was the first time all 4 of us siblings had been together in many years. We had a great time. My granddaughter loves to ride and sleep in the motor home. I plan to go to Seattle to see my older sister this summer when it gets a little to warm here and then down to Portland to see my brother and on down to see my 2 sisters by marriage (don’t like the word Step because they are sisters) and my 2nd mother Betty.